Home Server users have reported the issue occurring with the following list of applications:

• Photoshop Elements
• Zune Software
• Apple iTunes
• TagScanner
• Mozilla Thunderbird
• Adobe Lightroom
• Intuit QuickenMS Digital Image Library
• MP3BookHelper
• ACDSee
• WinAmp
• Windows Media Player 11
• Microsoft Office Excel
• Visual DataFlex

So, to put this in perspective, the list of potential applications affected is growing. That is very worrying, particularly given the prevalence of some of the applications - iTunes, Excel, WMP11 etc.. Microsoft have not yet reproduced the issue on some of these applications but also they’ve not yet been discounted, so at any point, an application may move from the reported list to the proven list.

A few things to bear in mind: 1. Microsoft are actively working on the issue - as the KB article indicates, they have reproduced the issue and are working on a fix. Clearly that fix is not yet available, but I have been told it’s being dealt with as a very high pritority. We (MVPs) are continually seeking updates from them on the issue.

2. Until the fix is issued, my advice is do not edit any file in any application directly on your home server. Copy the file to a home computer, edit it, and then copy it back again.

3. This issue occurs if a file is edited directly on the server when the server is under stress (ie. copying/moving a large amount of files). It’s difficult to replicate, but not impossible. I do not know how many have really been affected by the issue, but the potential is there. The backup, remote access etc functions of your home server are not affected, so don’t think you have to pull the plug. Just be careful.

4. The issue only affects systems with more than one hard drive. If your home server has just one drive, you won’t be affected. If you’re running multiple drives, with folder duplication switched off, there is still a potential risk if you edit files directly on the server from a home computer. 

We’re all hoping for a fix soon.

More Info: Microsoft Knowledge Base

Microsoft, WHS, Windows Home Server, Data, Corruption, Bug, KB Article, KB 966676, Knowledgebase

Pages: 1 2